Gender and Transgender

At Teesside University we are committed to gender identity equality and value the rich diversity in our University community.

Transgender student life at Teesside - So, what do you need to know?

We are proud of the warm welcome we give to all of our students. In particular we recognise that growth in the diversity of our students will enhance the success of the relationships we build and the experience our students have while they study here. We recognise that to achieve this, there needs to be a climate of inclusivity and equal opportunity, and we are working hard towards this.

We expect that everyone who works and studies here will treat others with respect and will take on the responsibility to act with courtesy and consideration towards all of the members of our community.

What does that mean?

Gender identity is one of the newest protected characteristics in equality and diversity legislation, and we have consulted our transgender students and their friends about their experiences and what they think we could do to improve student life.

We want to make sure that we are getting things right and we are aware that there is a rapid and continuous evolution of language and ideas in relation to transgender life. We are actively seeking to discover the best ways to make our students feel comfortable and safe while they study and socialise at Teesside University.

If you would like to talk to someone about being part of this consultation process, email Jackie Pounder:
j.pounder@tees.ac.uk

Who can I go to for advice?

If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone in confidence about issues relating to your gender, or to discuss dates and the venue for a safe space to meet other transgender students, contact Helen Severs in the Student Centre by email
h.severs@tees.ac.uk .

The counselling service can also help by providing a supportive and confidential relationship to explore your thoughts about gender or any other issues you may have.

Additional University support

Counselling
the University has a counselling service for any issues you may wish to explore

Chaplaincy
there may be issues the University Chaplaincy can help you talk through - you can contact Reverend Tessa Stephens, our Chaplain, on 01642 342708, or his mobile 07740 932758

Careers
if you need any information and advice specifically around careers you can find out more through our Careers pages.

Teesside University Students' Union
You can contact the Students’ Union for advice and information on sexuality. A student representative from the Students' Union is part of the University’s sexuality focus group so if you have ideas of what you would like to see the University do then speak to the Students’ Union and let them know your ideas.

Tackling bullying and harassment (word - 32kb)
information and advice if you feel you are being bullied or harassed because of your sexuality or for any other reason.

We welcome your feedback

We hope you have found this information useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about the services we provide for LGBT students please tell us.

Why not join us shape your University?

We have a Focus Group for LGBT students and staff at Teesside University. It’s your chance to help shape your University. You will be involved in decision making and sharing of ideas on what would make the Teesside University LGBT community better. We would love you to join us. For further information just drop Angela Ramage an e-mail at
a.ramage@tees.ac.uk .